Morning update from County Exec, Steve Neuhaus 11/17
Make NO Mistake!
Authorities Are Clamping Down on Illegal Area Burns!
After a week of 24/7 struggle at the Jennings Creek Fire and then making a wide Firebreak and "Backburning" the area to protect homes and other structures and reaching containment of nearly 90%, the crew of over 300 firefighters including some who came all the way from Utah and Montana suffered a bit of a setback on Saturday when some embers jumped the line due to a shift in wind. Concerned that the new flames were close enough to the homes on Edgemere Avenue, Wah Ta Wah Park and Shore Road to put them in danger, that area was voluntarily evacuated on Saturday out of an abundance of caution.
The backburning work can be equally, if not more, dangerous than the earlier firefighting work. For example, a crew edged down steep cliffs and back into active fire in Sterling Forest to stop its advancement and allow the leaf and branch piles that have accumulated during this long draught spell to use up remaining fire fuel.
Early Sunday morning Black Hawk helicopters stepped up their flights, with massive water buckets hanging low, From Stewart AFB at the border of New Windsor band Newburgh they flew low across Orange County for about three hours. This tragic week, costing the life of brave young firefighter, Dariel Vasquez, has become a stark reminder of the great sacrifices our firefighters and other first responders endure for our safety. In shows of community spirit and appreciation, residents heard them along the Valley below Schunnemunk and a little farther to the West, many sending prayers, praise and thanks for the services they provided all week that were incredibly courageous. It has also been a reassuring reminder of how the broad spectrum of people of different beliefs will pull together during times of tragedy and danger.
Governor Hochul sent reassuring news that FEMA has committed to provide Disaster Relief which is expected to cover 75% of the firefighting costs.
Washingtonville Fire Department joined the determined crews protecting structures last night at 6pm with Tanker #577. After 12 hours they returned to the Village with a safe "end of watch".
The fire itself was not the only danger. A combination of last week's day of rain and the water to extinguish the spreading flames resulted in heavy smoke across the region, especially in the areas of Chester, Blooming Grove, Monroe and Goshen. For some the heavy smoke was a passing irritant, but for others it became more serious. Unless absolutely necessary, ALL residents should stay indoors during abnormal smoky conditions, especially if they have sensitive respiratory systems or other health risks.
At 3pm, numerous helicopters were seen along the Schunnemunk Ridge from Courier Journal headquarters, fortunately signalling another safe "End of Watch".
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